How can we recognize God's blessings in our lives, as seen in Genesis 35:9? Setting the Scene “After Jacob returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again and blessed him.” (Genesis 35:9) Jacob’s journey is filled with struggle, repentance, and renewed devotion. When God appears “again,” the blessing is unmistakable. His experience provides a template for recognizing the Lord’s handiwork in our own stories. What a Divine Blessing Looks Like • Personal encounter – Jacob doesn’t merely hear about God; he meets Him. A blessing often arrives with a fresh awareness of God’s nearness (Psalm 73:28). • Spoken affirmation – The Lord explicitly “blessed him.” Divine approval may be sensed through Scripture that comes alive, inner assurance from the Spirit (Romans 8:16), or timely counsel from godly friends. • Transformative impact – Every prior appearance of God to Jacob changed the patriarch’s direction (Genesis 28:15; 32:28). Blessings today likewise move us toward obedience and deeper holiness (Philippians 2:13). Tracing the Journey to the Blessing 1. Repentance and cleansing (Genesis 35:2–4). • Jacob buried foreign idols and purified his household. • When we turn decisively from sin, the fog lifts and blessings become visible (Isaiah 59:2). 2. Return to the place of prior commitment (35:1, 6–7). • Bethel was where Jacob first vowed allegiance to God. • Re-engaging earlier commitments—church fellowship, Scripture intake, acts of service—often reawakens awareness of God’s favor (Revelation 2:4–5). 3. Reverent worship (35:7). • Jacob built an altar. Worship aligns the heart, tunes it to detect the Father’s gifts (Psalm 22:3). • Regular worship—private and corporate—sharpens gratitude, a key indicator of blessing recognized (Colossians 3:15–16). Practical Ways to Spot God’s Blessings Today • Review your story. Like Jacob recounting his travels, rehearse past deliverances: protection, provision, guidance (Deuteronomy 8:2). • Notice daily mercies. Health, work, friendships, Scripture insights—all evidences of the Father “who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). • Watch for closed as well as open doors. God’s “no” can be a safeguard and therefore a blessing (Acts 16:6–7). • Discern spiritual fruit. Growth in love, joy, peace, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23) reveals the Spirit’s active blessing. • Seek confirmation in Scripture. Blessings align with God’s revealed promises (2 Peter 1:4). • Listen for repeated themes. Jacob heard God reiterate covenant words; recurring Scriptures or circumstances often signal divine favor (John 10:27). Responding to Recognized Blessings • Give immediate thanks (Psalm 103:1–2). • Share testimony; Jacob’s family witnessed his altar and heard the story (Psalm 145:4–6). • Steward the blessing responsibly—use resources, abilities, and insights for God’s glory (1 Peter 4:10). • Remain expectant; God “appeared… again,” and He continues to bless beyond a single moment (Ephesians 3:20). Living with Eyes Wide Open Jacob’s encounter at Bethel shows that blessings are not random; they come as God meets His people on the path of obedience. By cleansing our lives, returning to first love, and worshiping wholeheartedly, we position ourselves to recognize—and rejoice in—the steady stream of God’s goodness. |
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